Novartis AG · Basel Switzerland · (NYSE: NVS)(Swiss: NOVN)

Although it's based in neutral Switzerland, Novartis has been aggressive in attacking illnesses on four fronts: pharmaceuticals, vaccines and diagnostics, generics, and consumer health. Its largest division, Pharmaceuticals, develops and manufactures prescription drugs to treat a wide spectrum of ailments. Vaccine and Diagnostics manufactures vaccines and blood-screening tools. Its Sandoz generics subsidiary produces generic drugs, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Novartis' consumer health unit includes OTC medications such as Benefiber, Excedrin, and Theraflu, along with CIBA Vision's contact lenses and eye care products and Animal Health's companion and agricultural animal care products. To read the full description, subscribe now.